Direct Patient & Therapeutic Care

Certified Medical Assistant

Career Progression

Entry Level

Certified Medical Assistant

Mid Level

RN, LPN

Senior Level

ARNP

Pathway Category

Entry Level: These positions are the best entry points for someone with little experience or education, as they typically require only a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) or a technical certification/ training and little to no prior related work experience. Many workers enter this industry through the Direct Patient and Therapeutic Care families. Although these careers start with lower wages, they are often a great starting point with huge potential for promotion and advancement with hard work, dedication, and planning.

What does a person in this career do?

You enjoy working with people! Your critical thinking and problem solving skills help to diagnose, troubleshoot, and treat a wide range of injuries, disorders, and diseases for your patients. You don’t mind being on the front line of the fight to help keep members of your community healthy, happy, and productive.

Occupations in the Direct Patient & Therapeutic Care family focus primarily on changing the physical health status of patients through direct care, treatment, and health education. They spend most of their time working directly with patients to diagnose, troubleshoot, and treat a wide range of physical illnesses, injuries, disorders, and diseases.

Description of duties

Assist doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals with a wide range of administrative and clinical duties, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, preparing patients for examination, taking vital signs, drawing blood, and administering medications. May also assist in cleaning and sterilizing medical or lab equipment to maintain a safe and secure work environment.

Quick Facts

Wage/Salary Range

Education & Training

Typical Work Environments

Personality Traits

Discover your strengths by taking the assessment.

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Medical and Dental Care
  • Biology and Chemistry
  • Customer & Personal Service
  • Medical and Office Software
  • Active Listening & Communication
  • Observing & Documenting Information

Other Job Titles

  • Medical Assistant (MA)
  • Clinical Assistant
  • Doctor’s Assistant
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Clinic Nurse
  • Scribe
  • Registered Medical Assistant